THE TOYOTA COROLLA IS CAR’S BEST BUY FOR 2014

The freshly minted 2014 Toyota Corolla has come up trumps in CAR magazine’s annual Top 12 Best Buys, walking off with the title of Best Compact Sedan for 2014.

Editor, Steve Smith, conceded that this was one of the most competitive segments but the new Corolla’s comprehensive range, good standard spec, extensive dealer network coupled with “sterling reputation for reliability and ownership satisfaction” meant that it had to be the chosen one.

Kerry Roodt, General Manager of Marketing Communications, is ecstatic with Toyota’s win: “The entire Toyota Marketing team is really thrilled with this accolade because it takes into account ‘real-world’ factors such as functionality, fit, finish, usable performance and, of course, value for money. We know our Corolla’s a winner – this CAR Top 12Best Buy award has just validated it.”

Now in its 11th generation, the all-new 2014 Toyota Corolla boasts cutting-edge design featuring an expressive face courtesy of the striking headlamp clusters that elegantly frame the sporty grille. In profile, the all-new Corolla’s flanks are pierced by a character line linking the top of the front wheel arch with the rear lamp cluster. All models apart from the entry-level Esteem grade are equipped with 16-inch alloys.

Apart from aesthetic considerations, the design team also accepted the challenge to create an even more spacious interior. To achieve this, the wheelbase was extended 100 mm compared to the outgoing production model, and the additional length was allocated effectively for design enhancement and interior space expansions, of course.

Moving indoors Corolla has received a completely refurbished interior featuring a stylishly re-designed cockpit, superior trim materials and enhanced ergonomics. There’s a generous list of equipment including leather upholstery as standard on all models bar the entry-level Esteem grade. The display audio system with reverse monitor (rear camera) is another class first – it’s standard even on mid-grade Prestige models.

At the heart of every new Corolla is a fuel-efficient and reliable engine that delivers pure driving enjoyment. Choose from the super-frugal 1.3-, solid-performing 1.6- or hyper-energetic all-new 1.8-litre petrol engine all underpinned by Toyota’s high-tech VVT-I (Variable Valve Timing – Intelligent) system. All versions come standard with a crisp-shifting six-speed manual transmission. The innovative Multidrive S automatic transmission (with seven ‘simulated’ gears) is available on the 1.6 and 1.8 variants.

Another new addition to the range is the award-winning 1.4 turbodiesel engine, returning a class-best combined cycle fuel consumption of just 4,5 l/100 km and generating CO2 emissions of just 119 g/km while offering super-refined, long-distance cruising.

When you throw in Toyota’s legendary reliability, vast dealer network and standard five-year/90 000km service plan as well as competitive pricing (from R214 900 to R283 900), the new Corolla is a no-brainer, a true ‘best buy’.

THE TOYOTA COROLLA IS CAR’S BEST BUY FOR 2014.Quickpic. 19 March 2014. http://www.quickpic.co.za